Camp out with the Perseids

One of the solar system’s natural light shows is returning to the skies this month around the constellation Perseus, and Glen Helen is hosting a camp-out at the height of the event. The Perseid meteor shower camp-out takes place Friday, Aug. 14, 7 p.m.–9 a.m. at the School Forest Meadow on Bryan Park Road. Star gazers can learn about stars, take guided night hikes and hope for a clear night to see as many as 50 to 100 meteors per hour, according to NASA’s description of the annual comet event.

The Perseids originate from comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle, whose tail debris strikes the earth’s atmosphere and creates flashes of light as it passes by the earth in its orbit each year. The Perseids are visible from late July through Aug. 24, peaking the moonless night of Aug. 14. According to NASA, the best meteor-watching hour is 4 a.m. Eastern time.

Glen camp-out participants under age 18 must be accompanied by a guardian. Registration is required, and space is limited, so those interested should register early; visit http://www.glenhelen.org for details. Cost for members is $10 for adults and $8 for children; cost for nonmembers is $15. Participants must bring camping gear, seating and snacks/drinks. The group will meet at the School Forest Meadow on Bryan Park Road.